02 Nov 2017

Peter Zumthor: Dear to Me

Kunsthaus Bregenz

Reviewed by Vera Wilde

For its 20th anniversary, Kunsthaus Bregenz's celebrated architect fills his space with experiences. Enjoying music, books, and a whimsical garden before tea - creativity-generating activities like these put visitors in artist's shoes.

The concept focuses on personal experiences, while its execution highlights the joy of creating in ensemble. Composer Olga Neuwirth's new work sounds tinny through headphones, but balanced when played by turning a music box's crank so its punch card tape unwinds from the ceiling.

The library unwinds in a maze of packed shelves. From The Art of Playboy to Lady Loverley's Chatter, low and high cultures mix with humor. The garden, created by artist couple Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger, similarly unwinds and bursts - from door frames, ceiling, and walls. Hot tea waits at its end.

Other places do these experiences better, with real gardens and fresh tea. Yet this exhibit artfully illustrates how creative enterprise requires community.